Module DXX-3018:Rivers, Coast and Oceans

Module Facts

Overall aims and purpose

To provide a foundation and conceptual framework in which to understand fluvial, coastal and deep marine environments, including intrinsic and extrinsic processes operating within such systems.

To understand the main hydrodynamic and sedimentary processes operating within and characterising the channel, floodplain, coastal and marine environments.

To provide an overview of the external (climate change, human activity, tectonics and base-level change) and internal controls on river systems and examine the associated river responses at a range of spatial and temporal scales.

To present the climatic and oceanographic controls on open coast and deep sea sediments and sedimentary environments.

To introduce students to the current debates and literature in this field and discuss the relevant application to present-day management of fluvial and marine environments.

Course content

This module takes a catchment to marine basin approach, focusing on riverine, coastal and deep marine environments. The module will provide a foundation and conceptual framework in which to understand river and marine systems, environmental change and geochronologies. Response to climate change, human activity, tectonics and base-level change during the Quaternary will be explored, along with developing an understanding of both intrinsic and extrinsic processes operating within these different but connected environments. The module will examine sediments within these environments, which are important components of key dynamic, biogeochemical and ecological systems, and have major socio-economic significance. This module examines the origin, controls, and processes that determine the properties, transport and deposition of sediments in rivers, shallow water environments (e.g. beaches, barriers, deltas, tidal flats), continental shelf and slope environments, and the deep ocean basins. The module will take both an applied and scholarly approach to the subject, introducing the students to the current debates and literature in the field.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Grade D- to C+:

Adequate knowledge of the key concepts. Presentation of appropriate examples to illustrate elements of the directly taught programme. Basic ability to describe and explain the core subject matter. Little evidence of reading beyond the taught material. Some understanding of the multidisciplinary subject matter, with a basic level of critical evaluation.

good

Grade B- to B+:

Clear understanding and thorough knowledge of the key concepts, with evidence of reading around the subject. Good ability to integrate the multidisciplinary subject matter. Good understanding and ability to critically evaluate the subject matter. High standard of presentation.

excellent

Grade A- to A**:

Excellent understanding, wide and thorough knowledge of the key concepts. Evidence of significant wider reading, with appreciation of recent research developments and creative potential to develop research ideas. Excellent ability to integrate multidisciplinary subject matter. Detailed understanding and explanation of concepts and principles. Critical evaluation, with well-reasoned opinion. Elegant and flowing presentation, with flair for the subject.

Learning outcomes

Explain the features of ancient and modern braided and meandering river systems and sedimentary sequences.

Understand the long-term dynamics of river systems and the controls operating within fluvial systems, and be able to comprehensively discuss how these condition river response to environmental change.

Reconstruct ancient sediment environments using data gathered through field observation

Understand physical and key biological controls of sedimentation in coastal and shelf seas, and deep sea environments, and the temporal and spatial scales of variation, and anthropogenic impacts (ES 3.2.1.2)

Assessment Methods

Type

Name

Description

Weight

Numerical problem sheet and write-up Task

20

Online Test

20

Graduate-level Task

40

Short answer Question

20

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Private study

Students will undertake both direct learning and private study so that they engage with the core literature. Students should use some of the time to perpare for workshops, practicals and assessments.

135

Lecture

Lecture-based learning to deliver the core concepts and theories in this subject.

30

Workshop

Drop-in workshop sessions to help address any problems with learning or assessments within the module.

4

Fieldwork

2 day field course to the Aberystwyth area to take a source to sink approach, and ancient to comptemporary viewpoint in terms of rivers, coasts and oceans.

16

Practical classes and workshops

Practical sessions to work on key aspects of the module.

15

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others

Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)

Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.